Peachtree City native Debbie McFarland is well-known not only for her family photography but also for her acts of kindness in the community.
Founder of the Sparks of Kindness movement and Facebook group, Debbie loves to inspire others to create a better and kinder world. The group feeds the homeless, performs small acts of kindness, and helps families in need.
Previously through The Memory Cottage and now The Studio at Daisy Hill, Debbie provides photography service for family portraits, weddings, senior portraits, and corporate photos. During the COVID-19 crisis, Debbie began photographing and profiling Quiet Hometown Heroes. She was inspired to create the series because she saw people’s hearts shining through a difficult time.
“Since starting Sparks of Kindness years ago, I have always been on the lookout for people who listen to their hearts and jump right in to do something kind,” Debbie says. “As soon as everyone started shutting down, I noticed that people didn’t even hesitate and shared their knowledge, talent, or gifts. I wanted to highlight them and show people that we don’t have to do grand things but can do small things with love, as Mother Teresa said.”
Debbie believes all people are beautiful. It’s one of the main reasons she became a portrait photographer.
“I see it through my lens,” Debbie says. “The eyes tell it all. Not liking myself for 40 years, I didn’t want another person to waste another moment feeling like that. Each of us is created unique and I want people to see their worth.”
Debbie is open for business by appointment.
Here are a few answers Debbie provided for questions for this Back-to-Business feature:
What is the most important thing you want people to know about you, your company or organization?
Your story is important to me. The love of your family, the excitement of senior year, the magic of your wedding day. I will help you every step of the way and you will feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Your story matters.
What COVID-19 mitigation strategies are you employing?
The lens that I use requires me to stand at least ten feet away and while verbally posing, there is no need for me to get closer. I have been shooting Quiet Hometown Heroes and Cap and Gown/Prom photos for the Class of 2020, all during this quarantine while keeping this safe distance, outside. These have all been free sessions to honor the people in our community. I also started the group Sparks of Kindness so this has been my way of giving back to those who have helped us.
What are a few things you can do to solve problems and improve the lives of your customers?
I want to capture this special time for you. With the unique opportunity to have quality family time during this quarantine, we all are realizing what is most important in our lives. Let’s capture your family. I will help with clothing, location, and selections. I will help plan a senior experience as unique as your son or daughter, depending on their interests. This is also a fabulous time to focus on branding for your business. I will help you plan a session that is not a stuffy corporate look but that shows the world who you are, making them want to do business with you. You will have a library of images to choose from for social media, advertising, and your website.
Together, we will figure out the best way to display your art. Whether it is a candid image of your family displayed above your fireplace, a leather album to show the grandkids years from now, or digital images for your company website, I will be there to assist you.
What sets you apart from your competitors? What’s your unique offering?
My experience… I have been capturing the love of families in our area for 20 years and my clients have become my close friends and they mean the world to me. I want the best for them and will serve them with my very best efforts. My art background… studying art my whole life enables me to see and capture the world a little differently. This comes through with colors, lighting, angles, and positioning. My heart…I want people to realize how beautiful and worthy they are. This is of utmost importance to me. Whether it is a shy, small child, a teen who is still discovering himself or a mom who doesn’t find herself beautiful anymore, I want to show each and every person how incredible they are.
What special offerings, seasonal or upcoming events would you like people to know about?
I am offering 50% off family session fees now until June 1st. Everyone who does a senior session with me also receives a free family session fee. When a wedding couple books with me, they also receive a free engagement session.
Awards, Accolades, Certifications
Earning the title of Professional Photographer, I have received many international photography awards over the years and have taken classes throughout the country to craft my expertise. I have been honored to be named Kodak Photographer of the Year among other accolades.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love everything about what I do. When a person sees their images and loves the way they look, that is my biggest reward. Really getting to know my clients, their dreams, struggles, and the people in their lives… that is so endearing to me. I also love capturing all the magical moments. These can be the small details of a wedding that might be forgotten if not lovingly captured or all the personality nuances of a toddler, the silly, the angry, the wonder.
Is there anything else you want the community to know?
Growing up in Peachtree City, this is my home. The people here are my people. I will do my very best to serve you. Whether it is through my photography, making a difference with kindness through Sparks of Kindness (join us on FB), or through workshops I hold for ladies and girls to grow, I am about serving you in the best way I know how.
Check out Debbie’s photography, including the Quiet Hometown Heroes series, at www.daisyhillstudio.com. For more information, call Debbie at (404) 326-1003 or email daisyhillstudio@comcast.net.
